New and Better
One of the ways God will speak in His Word is by using numbers. Studying the meaning and use of numbers in scripture is called Bible numerology. There are certain numbers in the Word that are very positive. One of them is the number eight, which means new beginnings. This comes from the creation account found in Genesis, in which God created the earth, seas, people, etc. in six days. He rested on the seventh day. This completed one week, so the eighth day would begin a new week. Hence, the number eight is associated with new beginnings. With both the year and the date containing the number eight, this is significant.
Let’s discuss new beginnings and what it means for you and me.
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV)
Regardless of what you may have lost in your life, it is especially important for you to move on with God and leave the losses in the past. God is bringing a new beginning for you, and He will do a new thing for you even if you are in a desert where things are dry spiritually, relationally, financially. Know that this time nothing’s going to stop you, for God has promised to make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. I’m here to say your old season is over, and God has a new season for you. God is doing a new thing in you, through you, and for you.
God has a lot to say about the new thing in scripture.
In II Corinthians 5:17, God calls us a new creation. You’re no longer an old sinner, but the righteousness of God- you have been made right with God. Ephesians 4:24 says that we are to put off the old and man and put on the new man. And as we study scripture, He even gives us a new way of thinking (Ephesians 4:23).
In Mark 16:17, God promises that we shall speak with new tongues. After we are born again and then filled with the Holy Spirit, God gives a new prayer language- one in which our spirit communicates directly to God.
Psalm 33:3 says to sing unto the Lord a new song. God will give you a new song in order to thank Him for this new season and the new things He is doing.
Hebrews 8:6 (NKJV) says: But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. He has given us a New Testament, or a new and better covenant. It is new and better because it is based on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, not the sacrifice of animals.
Finally, let's look at Zephaniah 3:20 (KJV):
At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.
This scripture is even more exciting in the New American Standard Bible (NASB):
“At that time I will bring you in, Even at the time when I gather you together; Indeed, I will give you renown and praise Among all the peoples of the earth, When I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” Says the Lord.
Be in expectation. New things and better things will come as we take God at His Word, believe it, and speak it. And you will truly see that God has new things for you.
